The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed the civil complaint in conjunction with the state Attorney’s General’s Office and district attorneys in San Diego, Riverside Alameda and Ventura counties. The complaint alleged the bank failed to notify members of the public in a timely and adequate manner that phone calls were being recorded.

“Preserving an individual’s right to privacy is among the greatest challenges we face in the digital age,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “This settlement underscores our office’s commitment to protecting San Diego County consumers from intrusions and privacy violations in the marketplace.”

Wells Fargo did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement, and the company has worked with authorities to change its notification policies. The bank also agreed to implement an internal compliance program to ensure that changes are made.

The bank will pay civil penalties totaling $7.61 million and will pay $384,000 to cover prosecutors’ investigative costs. It will also contribute $500,000 to the Consumer Protection Prosecution Trust Fund and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Prosecutors noted that California law is strict about requiring both parties in a conversation to be alerted at the outset if a call is being recorded.

—City News Service

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